Potts, Sulman and Hennings

In 1885 (Sir) John Sulman decided to give up his London practice and emigrate to Australia. Edward Potts of Oldham, who seemingly knew Sulman socially, took over the running of the London office, under the style Potts Sulman and Hennings, promoting Sulman’s long-time assistant, Arthur William Hennings to partner. (See “Sir John Sulman Pictorial Material” State Library New South Wales Archive which includes photographs of both Edward Potts and his wife).  Sulman had not completely severed his links with his London practice on his departure. An advertisement in the Sydney Morning Herald shortly after his arrival in Australia announced that MR. JOHN SULMAN. F.R.I.B.A. of the firm of Messrs. Potts, Sulman, and Hennings. Furnival's Inn, London, has commenced practise as an ARCHITECT at Bank chambers, corner of George and Jamieson streets, Sydney. [Sydney Morning Herald 9 June 1886 page 16].

While Edward Potts acted as senior partner, A W Hennings seems to have enjoyed day-to-day control of the London office and responsibility for all commissions under the style Potts Sulman and Hennings in the period 1885-1891.

Edward Pott’s son, William Edward Potts trained for an eighteen- month period (1886-1888?) in the office of Potts, Sulman and Hennings. While in London he attended AA classes and University College London. He passed the qualifying examination in 1888 and was elected ARIBA on 11 June 1888, proposed by J Holden G T Redmayne and J Murgatroyd

Hennings also attended Architectural Association classes and passed the RIBA qualifying examination in 1888.

About 1891 Hennings entered into a new partnership with Edward Potts and his son, William Edward Potts. However, this appears to have been a similar arrangement to that adopted by Edward Salomons, the partnership with Hennings relating solely to the London office while the northern offices continued to operate under the style of Potts Son & Pickup.

About 1898 Hennings became a full partner, the practice being re-named Potts Son & Hennings of Manchester and London. Following the death of Edward Potts the firm became Potts and Hennings. 

1884        John Sulman 1 Furnival's Inn Holborn London EC  (Morris Business Dir.)
1884        Arthur Sulman 1 Furnival's Inn Holborn London EC (Morris Business Dir.)
1888        Arthur Hennings 1 Furnival's Inn Holborn London EC (RIBA)

1895        Potts Son & Hennings 1 Furnival's Inn Holborn London EC
1897        Potts Son & Hennings 8 Furnival's Inn Holborn London EC (Webster Royal Red Book)
1896        Potts Son & Hennings 9 Ely Place, Holborn (Building News 2 July 1896)
1899        Potts Son & Hennings Ely Place Charterhouse Street EC (PO London Directory)

1894-1926    Victoria Buildings Victoria Street Manchester (RIBA)